Malaika Aman
There is a lot of Otaku representation in anime, but that doesn’t mean there is a lot of quality representation. Most manga and anime depict the otaku character as a punching bag for other characters to tease and mock. Making an introverted character on screen also involves a lot of stereotypes.
That is, however, why Otaku Elf has become such a fan favourite among anime fans. The main character is Elda, a goddess who was summoned after 400 years and thus cannot easily integrate into the new world. This has made her quite introverted, which the show perfectly handles.
Otaku Elf will leave you with a smile on your face.
At the end of the day, it’s a comedy anime, so it takes a lighthearted approach to its characters. That isn’t to say there isn’t any characterization, and thankfully none of the characters are cardboard cutouts of stereotypes. The show does an excellent job of portraying Elda’s introverted personality and demonstrating that introverts are not abnormal in any way.
Elda says she enjoys her current lifestyle and does not want to change it. Her naivety in how she perceives the world is also a breath of fresh air as we accompany her on a journey to discover new things about this world she has been thrown into.
Her shrine maiden, Koganei Koito, a high-schooler, is another character who is with her every step of the way. This means that there will be a lot of shenanigans as Koito tries and fails to get Elda to socialize more while also dealing with her hectic schedule.
In the end, it’s a heartwarming show that, sadly, not enough people are watching. So, if you’re looking for a slice of life with some amusing characters, this might be right up your alley. It is currently available on a variety of streaming services, including HIDIVE.